The Ultimate Orcas Island Itinerary

Know Before You Go

Best Time To Visit Orcas Island

While it’s possible to spot whales year-round, peak whale watching season on Orcas Island generally runs from May to October. For the best chance of seeing Orca whales, we recommend visiting between June and August, when sightings are most frequent.

To get a better idea of whale activity, you can check last year’s Orcas Island whale spotting calendar here.

How to get to Orcas Island

To kick off your Orcas Island adventure, you’ll want to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) which is the closest major airport to the San Juan Islands.

From there, pick up a rental car and drive 2.5 hours to Anacortes. You can usually find the best deals on Expedia or RentalCars.

After you arrive in Anacortes, you’ll board the ferry to Orcas Island.

Ferries can fill up fast, and spots are limited. We secured our reservation by calling early in the morning when the system opened. Reservations typically close around noon, so don’t wait! During peak travel times, reservations are a must, as you’re not guaranteed a spot without one.

If you don’t secure your preferred time, don’t give up. We had originally booked our return ferry to Anacortes for 7 a.m. on a Sunday. Still, we kept checking the reservation platform throughout the weekend and were able to snag an 11 am time slot.

Where to Stay on Orcas Island

Orcas Island has a range of accommodations, ranging from cozy cabins to luxury inns. Most spots on the island are within a 30-minute drive of each other, so as long as you have a car, you can explore the island fairly easily.

That said, the town of Eastsound is a great choice if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and the general buzz of island life and a central location on the island.

Personally, we recommend staying somewhere with a water view. Waking up to incredible bay views every morning is truly a special experience.

Here are a few our our top accommodation choices.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, check out Beach Haven, a collection of waterfront cabins with full kitchens. It feels like a remote retreat into nature, but it’s still just a short drive from town.

4 Day- Orcas Island Itinerary

This 4-day itinerary covers the best of Orcas Island from whale watching and scenic hikes to exploring charming towns and indulging in incredible farm-to-table meals. Whether you’re all about adventure or prefer slow days taking in the scenery, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Orcas Island.

Day 1 – Seattle to Orcas Island

After arriving in Seattle, pick up your rental car and hit the road. Drive north to Anacortes, a 2.5-hour scenic drive to the Ferry Terminal in Anacortes.

The drive itself is part of the fun, passing through charming small towns, lush forests, and rolling hills. With mountain views and glimpses of the coastline along the way, it’s the perfect way to ease into that relaxed Pacific Northwest vibe.

Ferry to Orcas Island

Next, hop on the Anacortes ferry to Orcas Island. The ride itself is peaceful and scenic, winding through the Salish Sea past beautiful neighboring islands like Lopez and San Juan. With wide-open views of the water and surrounding landscapes, the ferry feels like a mini escape before the real adventure begins.

If you’re lucky, you might spot bald eagles soaring overhead or sea lions lounging on the shore. We even saw our first orcas in the distance, it was a moment we won’t forget!

Settle in to Accommodations

Once you arrive on Orcas, check into your hotel and get settled. We stayed at Rosario Village, and the grounds were spectacular with white Adirondack chairs scattered across the lawn, all overlooking the water. The property is spacious, peaceful, and perfect for a quiet stroll or just soaking in the views.

Dinner at Houlme

Wrap up your first evening with dinner at Houlme, a cozy restaurant serving up creative dishes and natural wines.

We sat outside in what felt like someone’s backyard, sipping local wine, sharing appetizers, and ending the night with fantastic wood-fired pizza. Houlme was one of our favorite meals of the trip! You don’t want to miss it.

Coffee and Pastries at Brown Bear Baking

Next, head to Brown Bear Baking in Eastsound. We ended up here twice during our trip, yes, it’s that good.

The line can get long, but if you swing by at opening or later in the morning around 10:30am, it’s usually not too bad of a wait. Don’t miss the almond bear claw or the pecan sticky bun!

Visit to Girl Meets Dirt

After breakfast, make a quick stop at Girl Meets Dirt, a charming shop featuring farm-to-table goods made from island-grown fruit. From small-batch preserves to flavorful shrubs, everything here feels thoughtfully crafted. Don’t leave without trying the tomato jam, it’s the best we’ve ever had!

Lone Pine Larder

A charming lunch spot serving daily soups, paninis, and roasted chicken. You can enjoy your meal at one of their outdoor picnic tables or grab it to go for later. The owners were incredibly friendly and even took the time to chat with us.

Lum Farm

After lunch, make your way to Lum Farm, a working goat farm offering everything from goat milk ice cream and lamb sausage to fresh eggs and chevre. There’s a self-guided farm walk and even a little petting zoo, which is super fun if you’re traveling with kids (or just love goats like we do).

Tasting at Orcas Island Winery

Spend your afternoon wine tasting at Orcas Island Winery, a boutique family-run winery specializing in natural sparkling wines. The grounds are scenic and peaceful.

If lunch didn’t quite fill you up, grab a small plate of charcuterie, olives, and nuts to enjoy with your wine flight.

Stop at The Orcas Project

Before heading back to the hotel, swing by The Orcas Project, a small-batch, experimental winery with a tasting room and bottle shop in downtown Eastsound. You can do a tasting or grab a few bottles to enjoy later at your hotel.

Dinner at Matia

Cap off the day with a special dinner at Matia in Deer Harbor. This cozy, upscale spot features a daily rotating menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. You can choose between a 6 or 10-course tasting menu, each dish thoughtfully prepared and paired with an impressive wine list. Every bite was a win and definitely worth the splurge.

If a set menu isn’t your thing, be sure to book a reservation in the Matia Lounge instead. There, you can enjoy Chef Avery’s favorite dishes from the past decade, along with seasonal snacks and freshly made pasta.

Morning Walk Around Rosario

The property is stunning, perfect for sipping your coffee with ocean views or enjoying a quiet glass of wine later in the day. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot to unwind and take in the beauty of the island.

We were lucky enough to stay on the grounds, but even if you’re staying elsewhere, it’s worth driving over to Rosario for a morning or afternoon stroll.

Orcas Island Farmers Market (Saturdays Only)

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the Orcas Island Farmers Market in the heart of Eastsound. It’s a great spot to browse local produce, baked goods, and handmade items like Orcas Island pottery. The market is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If your trip doesn’t fall on a Saturday, feel free to swap this activity for another day.

Breakfast at New Leaf Café

Next, head to New Leaf Café for breakfast or brunch. Located on the waterfront in Eastsound, this charming spot serves seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, such as fried duck and waffles, and fresh-squeezed juice. The atmosphere is cozy, and the service is warm and welcoming.

Explore the Waterfalls in Moran State Park

Spend the rest of your morning exploring some of the island’s prettiest waterfalls inside Moran State Park. Take a short hike to Hidden Falls, which is not exactly hidden but still a peaceful, scenic spot worth the walk.

If you’re up for more, check out Cascade Falls, Rustic Falls, and Cavern Falls nearby.

Early Lunch at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm

For lunch, head to Buck Bay Shellfish Farm in Olga. This place is a seafood lover’s dream, offering a variety of locally grown and sourced seafood like fresh oysters, fish sandwiches, and hearty clam chowder, all with beautiful views overlooking the water.

1 PM – Whale Watching Tour

Head out on a whale watching tour with Outer Island Excursions, one of the absolute highlights of our trip.

The tour lasts 3–5 hours and takes you through the scenic channels between the San Juan Islands.

We followed a pod of orcas for over an hour, and it was nothing short of magical. Be sure to check in 30 minutes early, book in advance, and don’t forget your layers and camera!

Mount Constitution at Sunset

Wrap up your adventure-filled day with a visit to Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. You can drive most of the way up, then take a short walk to the summit. At the top, you’ll find a unique stone tower which was modeled after 12th-century Russian watchtowers in the Caucasus. From here, you’ll get sweeping panoramic views of Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and the other islands of the San Juan Archipelago. It’s a stunning spot for sunset, and also a beautiful (but sometimes foggy) place to catch sunrise if you’re up early the next morning.

Freshen Up

After a busy day, head back to your hotel and take a little downtime to relax, shower, and get ready for dinner.

Dinner at The Inn at Ship Bay

End the day with dinner at The Inn at Ship Bay, perched on a bluff with sweeping southern views over the water. The restaurant focuses on fresh, locally and organically sourced ingredients, much of which is from their own garden, greenhouse, or orchard. The setting is romantic and peaceful, and the food was one of the highlights of our entire trip. Built around a historic 1869 farmhouse, it’s both charming and elegant. Reservations are highly recommended.

Hike at Turtleback Mountain Preserve

After breakfast, head to Turtleback Mountain Preserve for one last hike. The trails here are peaceful, well-maintained, and offer rewarding views of the island.

There are several options for all levels, but we chose the hike to Ship Peak, a 1.3-mile trail that took us about two hours with plenty of stops for photos (and trust us, you’ll want to stop often). It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Orcas Island before heading home.

Check out

Return to your hotel to shower, pack up, and check out.

Coffee at Orcas Hotel

Right across the street from the ferry terminal, the Orcas Hotel is the perfect place to grab a coffee or cocktail while soaking in your last views of the island.

We stopped here while waiting for the ferry and loved the peaceful vibe and waterfront views. You can even order ahead on their website to time it just right before boarding.

Ferry Back to Anacortes + Drive to Seattle

Take the ferry back to Anacortes, then make the 2.5-hour drive south to Seattle to return your rental car and catch your flight home.

The trip may be ending, but we hope the memories of Orcas Island will stick with you long after you’ve left.

Whether you’re chasing orca sightings, indulging in farm-to-table meals, or simply soaking in the island’s peaceful beauty, Orcas Island offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already dreaming about our next visit. Hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time on the island!